Funding available for Queen’s birthday

A community grants scheme is to be opened up by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for events to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday.

The decision was made at a meeting of Council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on Tuesday evening and was proposed by Cllr Darryl Wilson and seconded by Cllr Sharon McKillop.

Public calls of interest will be made for the fund, these will be assessed and offers made if the event, for example a street party, is suitable and meets criteria.

Members were also told that plans are in place for a garden party recognising local charitable and volunteering organisations, incorporating music and DVD of the Queen’s visits to Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The date of the garden party is still to be confirmed and the guest list agreed by the council’s working group.

Sinn Fein councillor Brenda Chivers asked why there was a committee set up for centenaries which did not allow for a grant to mark the 1916 Easter Rising. She said that a special meeting to discuss the Queen’s birthday was a “waste of council resources” since not enough councillors turned up to make a quorum. DUP Cllr George Duddy said that he hoped Her Majesty lived long enough to celebrate her centenary but pointed out that she was still just 90.